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Mathematics

BSc /MA (Hons)

Mathematics is essential:

  • to the study of science - few scientific developments are possible without underlying mathematical theories
  • essential in the construction of models of the economy, which influence the decisions of business and government
  • to the development of methods of secure communication - used by us all for banking, internet transactions, mobile phone conversations

We offer you lively and modern programmes of study centred on the application of mathematics, presented in a stimulating environment, by experts in the field.

Why study Mathematics at Dundee?

We believe that undergraduates are best served by studying in a Division that is active in research to the highest level, and we are fortunate in having an excellent international reputation for our research work. Our courses are taught by those who have great enthusiasm for their subject, a dedication to it, and an appreciation of the needs of students.

As well as offering degrees in Mathematics and Mathematical Biology, we offer a wide range of Joint Honours Degrees, where Mathematics can be combined with a variety of other subjects, for example, Accountancy, Applied Computing, Economics, English and Physics.

The BSc (Hons) Mathematics and BSc (Hons) Mathematical Biology are degree programmes certified by the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Jonathan Weightman began his Mathematics degree in 2009, "Studying mathematics keeps your options open and enables you to progress into careers in all kinds of fields whether they be science research based or financial positions. "

What's so good about Mathematics at Dundee?

We are a relatively small Division and are able to operate with an excellent staff/student ratio. One advantage of this is that we can get to know each student personally, and so can offer a friendly and supportive learning experience. In addition, our Student-Staff Committee meets regularly to discuss matters of importance to our students.

Computing power is used extensively in modern mathematics. Our students have access to a dedicated computer pool 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Students use computers to assist their studies at all levels, using specialist mathematics software, writing up projects and obtaining information from the internet.

"The best aspect of study at Dundee is the enthusiasm of lecturers. With a small department, communications between lecturers and students is very good".
Final year student comment from National Student Survey

Student Society

You can join DuMaS (Dundee Mathematical Society), our student society, which regularly organises social events such as the annual ball, bowling or cinema nights, careers events and BBQs.

BSc Degree Combinations

MA Degree Combinations

Related Courses at Dundee

Teaching & Assessment

The Mathematics degrees are taught by the Division of Mathematics.

How you will be taught

You will learn by traditional methods such as lectures, tutorials, and workshops as well as via computer assisted learning. From Level 2 onwards we teach the use of professional mathematical software packages in order to allow you to explore mathematics far beyond the limits of traditional teaching.  This also prepares you for the way in which Mathematicians work in finance, industry and research.

Our excellent staff student ratio allows for close contact between students and lecturers and provides a lively learning environment.  For example, we run "Maths Base'', a drop-in facility in the Division, which provides another source of help with your studies over and above what you can expect from your lectures and tutorials.

What you will study

Honours Degree

An honours degree normally takes four years, full time, you study levels 1-4, as described below.

Advanced Entry Honours Degree

It is possible to study for most of our honours degrees in one year less if you have the required grades and subjects as listed in the Entry Requirements section.There are definite advantages to considering this route as the time needed to study is reduced by one year which enables you to start working and earning earlier.

Typical Degree Programme

Level 1

At Level 1 students taking a degree fully within Mathematics spend two thirds of their time devoted to Mathematics and one third to another subject of their choice. Joint degrees typically involve a 50/50 split between Mathematics and the other subject.

  • Mathematics 1A: MA11001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module is made up of a calculus component and an algebra component. The calculus component covers functions and differential calculus while the algebra component covers polynomials, trigonometry, series and conic sections.

  • Topics in Pure Mathematics: MA12002
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    This module covers logic, methods of proof, an introduction to group theory and an introduction to number theory.

  • Mathematics 1B: MA12001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module is made up of a calculus component and an algebra component. The calculus component covers integral calculus and differential equations. The algebra component covers vectors, matrices and linear equations, complex numbers and 3D geometry.

  • Statistics and Probability: MA12003
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module covers data analysis, statistical relationships, probability, continuous and discrete distributions, covariance and independence, together with a brief introduction to applications.

Visit the BSc overview page for general information on our BSc degree programme.

Level 2

At Level 2 students taking a degree fully within Mathematics spend two thirds of their time devoted to Mathematics and one third to another subject of their choice.  Joint degrees typically involve a 50/50 split between Mathematics and the other subject.

  • Mathematics 2A : MA21001
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    Geometry in three-dimensional space, vectors in three dimensions, linear equations and matrices, differential equations and functions of one variable, differentiation and integration.

  • Mathematics 2B: MA22001
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    Independence and bases, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, linear transformations, functions of several variables, multivariable calculus.

  • Statistics and Discrete Mathematics: MA22003
    Semester 1, 20 credits
    Data analysis, statistical relationships, probability, binomial and normal distributions, difference equations, roots of a non-linear equation, Markov chains and game theory.

  • Computer Algebra and Dynamical Systems: MA21002
    Semester 2, 20 credits
    This module provides an introduction to the computer algebra software Maple and then subsequently uses this software to explore some simple dynamical systems.

Level 3

Students taking a degree fully within Mathematics take eight modules from the list below. Joint Honours students typically take four modules per year.

Level 4

Students taking a degree fully within Mathematics take eight modules from the list below. Joint Honours students typically take four modules per year.

How you will be assessed

Assessment for most modules involves a final examination and takes into account varying amounts of continuous assessment, including assignments and class tests.

Careers

Mathematics is central to the sciences, and to the development of a prosperous, modern society. The demand for people with mathematical qualifications is considerable, and a degree in mathematics is a highly marketable asset.

Mathematics graduates are consistently amongst those attracting the highest graduate salaries and can choose from an ever-widening range of careers in research, industry, science, engineering, commerce, finance and education.

Many of our graduates enter the financial sector following career paths in accountancy, banking, the stock market and insurance.

Even if you do not take your mathematics any further than university, employers know that mathematics graduates are intelligent, logical problem solvers. With this training behind you, the career options become almost limitless.

Entry Requirements

The following are the typical requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher AAAB
GCE A-Level ABB
ILC Higher AAAB
IB Diploma 32 points (including 6, 5, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects Mathematics at grade A (SQA Higher, ILC Higher or IB Higher Level), or Mathematics at grade B (GCE A-level)
EU & International Visit our EU and International webpages for entry requirements tailored to your home country

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Qualification Grade
SQA Advanced Higher   AB (Advanced Higher) and AB (Higher) in different subjects
GCE A-Level AAB
IB Diploma 34 points (including 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects Mathematics at A at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level or IB Higher Level

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA

A relevant HNC with B in the Graded Unit including Mathematics for Engineering 1 (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HNC with A in the Graded Unit including Mathematics for Engineering 1 and 120 SCQF points (Level 2 entry)
A relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units including Mathematics Engineering 2 (Level 2 entry)

Scottish Baccalaureate Pass with BC at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
Distinction with AB (MEng) at Advanced Higher in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
SWAP Access Programme Relevant science subjects with ABB grades including Mathematics and Physics Units at SCQF Level 6 (Level 1 entry)
EDEXCEL

A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM (Level 1 entry)
A relevant HND with Merits in appropriate Science/Mathematics modules (Level 2 entry)
A relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDD (Level 2 entry)

Advanced Diploma Grade B with ASL-A Levels at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
Grade B with ASL-A Level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
Welsh Baccalaureate Pass with A level at AB in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 1 entry)
Pass with A level at AA in Mathematics and a Science/Engineering subject (Level 2 entry)
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Joint Honours Degrees

For details of typical entry requirements for Joint Honours degrees, please visit the relevant webpage for the other subject.

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

Fee category Fees for students starting September 2012 Scholarships & Bursaries applicable
Scottish students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Students from the rest of the UK £9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company.
EU students £1,820 per year of study.
You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
Overseas students (non-EU) £11,760 per year.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

  • Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
  • Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
  • As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

Degree UCAS Codes KIS data
BSc Mathematics
G100
View KIS data for this course
BSc Mathematics and Accountancy
GN14
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BSc Mathematics and Economics
GL11
View KIS data for this course
BSc Mathematics and Financial Economics
GLD1
View KIS data for this course
BSc Mathematics and Physics
FG31
View KIS data for this course
BSc Mathematics and Psychology
CG81
View KIS data for this course
MA Mathematics and Business Economics with Marketing
LNG0
View KIS data for this course
MA Mathematics and English
GQ13
View KIS data for this course

UCAS Application Process

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International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk

International applicants

International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)

Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk